Spain: Catalonia to hold independence referendum in October

Event

The regional governor of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, has announced that an independence referendum will be held on October 1. However, this referendum does not have the approval of Madrid and previous independence votes have been declared illegal by Spanish courts. Protests and gatherings are possible in the coming months, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona.

Context

This issue is very sensitive in Catalonia where the mobilization for the independence is very strong. Artur Mas, the former regional governor of Catalonia (eastern Spain), was found guilty of civil disobedience for organizing a symbolic independence referendum in November 2014. Spain’s government blocked the vote, ruling it to be in violation of the Spanish constitution.

Advice

Individuals in Spain should monitor developments to the situation and avoid all protests.